When I realized that several of my favorite books were from Native American authors and illustrators, I started digging deeper to find more books like them. What I found was a treasure trove of incredible books! Pick one up if you are looking for a cute, fun book to share with your child. Introduce a Native language to your family, or explore your heritage with others who share your experiences. Dig into stories from different nations, or simply enjoy some heartfelt Own Voices books by Indigenous authors and illustrators.
Dual Language Books
Bowwow Powwow (Bagosenjige-niimi’idim) by Brenda J. Child
Illustrated by Jonathan Thunder
English and Anishinaabemowin
My Heart Fills with Happiness (Ni Sâkaskineh Mîyawâten Niteh Ohcih) by Monique Gray Smith
Illustrated by Julie Flett
English and Plains Cree
Fox on the Ice (Maageesees maskwameek kaapit) by Tomson Highway
English and Cree
Books with Words from a Native Dialect
Wild Berries (Pikaci-Minisa) by Julie Flett
English and Cree n-dialect or Swampy Cree
We Are Grateful (Otsaliheliga) by Traci Sorell
Illustrated by Frane Lessac
English and Cherokee with the Cherokee syllabary
Itse Selu: Cherokee Harvest Festival by Daniel Pennington
English and Cherokee
Dzání Yázhí Naazbaa’: Little Woman Warrior Who Came Home by Evangeline Parsons-Yazzie
English and Navajo (Ages 9-12)
Indian No More by Charlene Willing McManis with Traci Sorrell
English and Chinuk Wawa (Ages 8-12)
Books Written by Native American Authors
First Laugh – Welcome, Baby! by Rose Ann Tahe and Nancy Bo Flood
Illustrated by Jonathan Nelson
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
Illustrated by Michaela Goade
When We Are Kind by Monique Gray Smith
Illustrated by Nicle Neidhardt
The Good Luck Cat by Joy Harjo
Illustrated by Paul Lee
– Cassie, Youth Services Assistant